7 Must-See MMA Fights in February
The return of Anderson Silva has officially taken place, and the world of mixed martial arts is ready to return to originally scripted programming.
That means more fights and more in-cage sport for the month of February.
From a long-awaited matchup between Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano to a plethora of lightweight showdowns, the next four weeks offer a little bit of everything.
Not to mention rising contenders Michael Johnson and Brandon Thatch make their Octagon returns after lengthy stints on the sidelines.
Here are seven must-see MMA fights to last us until March.
Tony Ferguson vs. Gleison Tibau
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With a combined record of 6-0 since the start of 2014, UFC lightweight mainstays Tony Ferguson and Gleison Tibau offer nothing short of perennial success.
As two of the division's most consistent players, El Cucuy and Tibau should match up well when they lock horns at UFC 184 on February 28.
It should be noted that Tibau is taking this fight on less than two months' rest, having defeated Norman Parke via split decision back in January at UFC Fight Night 59, but the Brazilian is one of the more physically gifted athletes around and should have no problem getting ready.
However, Ferguson offers outstanding conditioning that could easily stifle Tibau's power and flush his energy early.
But as one of the organization's longest-lasting names, the 31-year-old should give Ferguson all he can handle in a divisional showdown that will produce 2015's next rising contender.
Alexander Shlemenko vs. Melvin Manhoef
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Alexander Shlemenko is one of the best fighters competing outside of the heralded UFC, and MMA legend Melvin Manhoef is just the guy to test his brawn.
Scheduled to fight February 13 at Bellator 133, middleweights Shlemenko and Manhoef have the skill sets and track records to produce one of the best striking matchups of 2015.
With 56 combined career finishes by way of knockout or TKO, both guys are capable of ending a fight with one single punch or kick.
The Russian will most certainly have the advantage on the ground and could very well steal the show with an unprecedented submission, but Manhoef offers supreme power and the ability to strike in bunches, so all bets are off.
The fact that this fight takes place on Spike TV is icing on an already barbaric cupcake.
Edson Barboza vs. Michael Johnson
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Lightweight rising contender Michael Johnson hasn't competed in nearly one year and is desperately trying to stay afloat in the UFC's deepest division.
As he makes his long-awaited comeback to the cage at UFC Fight Night 61 on February 22, he'll be forced to throw fists with Brazilian sensation Edson Barboza, who is regarded as one of the best kickboxers in the sport today.
With unparalleled timing and precision in each one of his strikes, Barboza is the perfect type of fighter to test the resolve and fortitude of Johnson as he attempts to re-establish his stock.
But considering The Menace has never been knocked out in his professional career, Barboza will have to bring his best to secure a finish.
If Johnson's strong wrestling and patient striking are enough to get past Junior, then it could be time for him to face a Top Five opponent.
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Raquel Pennington vs. Holly Holm
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Holly Holm's UFC debut is finally coming to fruition.
After pulling out of her fight with divisional up-and-comer Raquel Pennington at UFC 181 due to injury, the former boxing champion will officially make her promotional debut at UFC 184, serving as the co-main event.
Unfortunately for Holm, she is still expected to face Pennington, who recently dismantled Ashlee Evans-Smith with a first-round submission at UFC 181.
As one of the division's most well-rounded fighters, Rocky is capable of winning a fight wherever it may go. But with the best boxing in women's mixed martial arts today, Holm is no ordinary striker.
Her hands should test the chin of Pennington early and force the former Ultimate Fighter standout to fight bloodied.
Benson Henderson vs. Brandon Thatch
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After a recent bout with Donald Cerrone, it looks like former UFC lightweight kingpin Benson Henderson is picking up some of Cowboy's fan-friendly habits.
Come his showdown with Brandon Thatch on Valentine's Day at UFC Fight Night 60, Smooth will be competing for the second time in two months, filling in for an injured Stephen Thompson.
But unlike Cerrone, Henderson will be moving up a weight class in an attempt to wipe the slate clean and put a stop to his current two-fight losing streak.
While that's all well and good, Thatch is arguably the most dangerous rising contender at 170 pounds, making him a volatile opponent for anyone, let alone someone making his divisional debut.
If Thatch wins, then he'll quickly move up the rankings, especially since Kelvin Gastelum is on his way back up to middleweight.
But if Henderson wins and proves his 155-pound repertoire can withstand the welterweight pedigree, his track record could position him close to the Top Five if the move becomes permanent.
Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva vs. Frank Mir
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It's difficult to sell a main event between two heavyweights who have combined for only two promotional victories since 2011, but Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva and Frank Mir are names that still carry weight these days.
Destined to stand in the middle of the Octagon and duke it out like heavyweights are supposed to, their matchup is one that could either keep them in the UFC or launch them into MMA's deep space.
While Mir should be and has been given more slack over the past three years, keeping him on board amid a five-fight losing streak (should he lose this next one) resonates with no one.
In other words, he must defeat Silva at UFC Fight Night 61 to remain in the promotion he's called home for over 13 years.
That and the fact that Silva needs to impress in order to restore faith in his own abilities makes this fight a hazardous concoction of desperation, determination and heavy hands.
Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano
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There's no doubt that Cat Zingano will be Ronda Rousey's toughest test to date.
As an undefeated professional brawler who incorporates heavy hands, a dangerous clinch game and whiplash throws, Alpha is as well-rounded as they come.
But as the UFC women's bantamweight champion, Rousey understands what it takes to turn her opponent into an assignment and ace the test.
From Miesha Tate to Sara McMann, Liz Carmouche to Alexis Davis, The Queen of Mean has painted her Octagon masterpiece over the past two years by practically destroying any and all top contenders.
So will Zingano's impressive resume remain untarnished after UFC 184, or will Rousey yet again cut all ties to a division reaching out for a title that's never in arm's length?
We will find out one way or another.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell
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